I once created a blog and never wrote on it. I mean, literally. Not once.

Let's hope this blog is different :)

We'll start at the "beginning." Matthew and I got married on December 28th of this year. It was a fantastic day.

Lots of people talk about how picture perfect their wedding day was and about some fairytale-perfect story. Between me forgetting my temple recommend in Utah, and just different stressors....I can't say I really relate to those people. However, we DID get some awesome pictures, we DID have some incredibly wonderful family there for us, and I DID marry the man of my dreams :) It turned out to be a wonderful day, mostly because of the man in this picture here with me and because of it being the start of forever.

By the time that day rolled around (after over a year of dating and...well...not dating :), we were sure ready! I couldn't be happier with the man I married and sure do love him to pieces. I was so grateful for all the people who flew/drove out for our big day. I have the best family in the world, and it was so wonderful to have them (by them, I mean pre-marriage, AND post-marriage halves) present for the festivities. I could make a list of all the wonderful things they did...but, let's face it, I don't think you'd all want to read that.

Next was the Honeymoon!

We went up the Oregon coast and spent it in Depoe Bay and Seaside. Matthew surprised me by getting this ADORABLE beach house that we'd looked at online, I'd fallen in love with, and then we found out we couldn't get. Somehow, that husband of mine figured it out--and then completely surprised me when we pulled up to it. I didn't actually recognize for sure it until we got inside, but I was BEYOND excited :)

Here's a snapshot of the inside. Is that not THE cutest thing you've ever seen? Let me tell you, it is.

The Honeymoon consisted of walks on the beach, games, hiking, eating out, downtime, whale watching, and just being with each other. It was an adjustment period (which I don't think anyone really talks about), but so, SO fun--just to not have a curfew or some obligation/responsibility to wake up for.

Coming home from the honeymoon...well, we can just pretty much say the fun of the honeymoon has continued, only--with the addition of job searching. We play a lot and have just loved to have extra time together, figuring things out, and just hanging out. The last few months have consisted of bike rides, runs, yard work, trips to Provo, movies, temple trips, dates, and much enjoyed viewings of Modern Family and The Mentalist. We also threw in a trip to California, for good measure :) It was there that Matthew discovered his love of boogie boarding. He has yet to perfect the art, but, then again, so do I. Had the weather been better, we could have easily spent the whole time on the beach. 

Not Matthew's first time, apparently he'd been before, but never had a boogie board all to himself. It's a whole different experience, people. Sure glad my padre bought some and left them at Grandma's for when we come visit!

Universal Studios... :)

A bike ride from Huntington to Balboa Island

(Ten minutes were spent in pouring rain...but, other than that, the weather was great :P

Me, being OH so artsy on the ferry

The only picture of a game we played while at Grandmas, though we played many more. 

Oh! And I almost forgot Valentine's Day. It was a year ago from this day that this lovely mister told me he loved me. It was also a year ago from this day that we had our first kiss :) A few pictures from our first Valentine's Day as married kids... 

Can you guess which of us removed the arm and made things a little more exciting for the lovely little sugar cookie family? I'll give you a clue: oh wait, I don't need to.

 Ward Valentine's Day Dance. It was so fun! I sure love dancing with this boy. That was actually what we did for the activity portion of our first FHE. And, you know what? I loved it :) 

I was going to upload some more pictures with details on the last few months, but I think this will do for now. 

As far as real life goes, our job search continues. Matthew's just found a temporary job while we wait for things to fall into place, and has had various interviews during our time here. We know there's some amazing, perfect job the Lord has in store for us. Or, just something we'd never pick on our own (without being desperate) that will take us JUST where Heavenly Father needs us to be. 

But, in the meantime, we keep on keepin' on. And you know what, there's no one I'd rather be doing it with :) 

Life is fun, and being married is the best. And, let's face it--so is my husband :) 

If you've made it to the end of this entry and are thinking, seriously?? I'm never going to read another entry--these take HOURS to read. Well, then my friend....I suggest you learn to skim. On my mission, my dad would highlight the fun or interesting parts for reading ease. Unfortunately for you all, he has no editing power on this blog. You have to skim your very selves to find fun details, or TRUDGE slowly and painstakingly through each smiley face, explanation, and picture in order to glean the details you actually wanted to hear about. 

(This is you, struggling through mud and grime--drawn out, over-detailed descriptions of me, loving my life and telling you ALLLLLLL about it, so you can get to the good or funny stuff you are actually looking to read.

Welcome to our blog. 

It's going to be a good time.